Pierre Paulin introduced a fresh breeze into French furniture design in the 1960s and ’70s, fostering a sleek new Space-Age aesthetic. Along with Olivier Mourgue, Paulin developed chairs, sofas, dining tables and other furnishings with flowing lines and almost surreal naturalistic forms. And his work became such a byword for chic, forward-looking design and emerging technologies that two French presidents commissioned him to create environments in the Élysée Palace in Paris.
Paulin was born in Paris to a family of artists and designers. He initially sought to become a ceramist and sculptor and was studying in the town of Vallauris near the Côte d'Azur — a center for pottery making, where Pablo Picasso spent his postwar summers crafting ceramics — but broke his hand in a fight. He enrolled at the École Camondo, the Paris interior design school. There, Paulin was strongly influenced by the work of Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson and Arne Jacobsen, as was reflected in his early creations for the manufacturer Thonet-France.
It was at the Dutch firm Artifort, which he joined in 1958, where Paulin blossomed. In a few years, he produced several of his signature designs based on abstract organic shapes. These include the Butterfly chair (1963), which features a tubular steel frame and slung leather, and a group of striking seating pieces made with steel frames covered in polyurethane foam and tight jersey fabric: the Mushroom (1960), Ribbon (1966) and Tongue (1967) chairs. The revered designer not only introduced new construction techniques to Artifort furniture but contributed fresh materials, Pop art colors and dazzling shapes to the mid-century modern era as a whole.
In 1971, the Mobilier National — a department of France’s Ministry of Culture in charge of furnishing top-tier government offices and embassies — commissioned Paulin to redesign President Georges Pompidou’s private apartment in the Élysée Palace. In three years, Paulin transformed the staid rooms into futuristic environments with curved, fabric-clad walls and furnishings such as bookcases made from an arrangement of smoked-glass U shapes, flower-like pedestal chairs and pumpkin-esque loungers.
Ten years later, the Mobilier National called on Paulin again, this time to furnish the private office of President François Mitterand. Paulin responded with an angular, postmodern take on neoclassical furniture, pieces that looked surprisingly at home in the paneled, Savonnerie-carpeted Louis XVI rooms. As those two Élysée Palace projects show, Paulin furniture works well both in a total decor or when used as a counterpoint to traditional pieces. His creations have a unique personality: bright and playful yet sophisticated and suave.
Find vintage Pierre Paulin lounge chairs, armchairs, coffee tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Osaka Extra Large Sofa in Stretchy Blue Upholstery by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 1967, the French designer Pierre Paulin challenged the rationalism that was predominant at the time by envisaging a range of seats with naturally winding lines. Developed for Expo...
Upholstery
$15,225 / item
Osaka Sofa in Stretchy Blue Upholstery by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 1967, the French designer Pierre Paulin challenged the rationalism that was predominant at the time by envisaging a range of seats with naturally winding lines. Developed for Expo 1970 in the city after which it is named, the Osaka sofa...
Upholstery
Osaka Medium Sofa in Stretchy Blue Upholstery by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 1967, the French designer Pierre Paulin challenged the rationalism that was predominant at the time by envisaging a range of seats with naturally winding lines. Developed for Expo...
Upholstery
Osaka Small Sofa in Stretchy Blue Upholstery by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 1967, the French designer Pierre Paulin challenged the rationalism that was predominant at the time by envisaging a range of seats with naturally winding lines. Developed for Expo...
Upholstery
Osaka Large Sofa in Stretchy Blue Upholstery by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 1967, the French designer Pierre Paulin challenged the rationalism that was predominant at the time by envisaging a range of seats with naturally winding lines. Developed for Expo...
Upholstery
Osaka Extra Small Sofa in Stretchy Blue Upholstery by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 1967, the French designer Pierre Paulin challenged the rationalism that was predominant at the time by envisaging a range of seats with naturally winding lines. Developed for Expo...
Upholstery
XL Sofa Set in Linen Color Fabric Upholstery
By Cotidiano
Located in Mexico City, MX
It's an original design for a getaway home the Arena Sofa XL is ultra-comfortable as it is practical for everyday family life. A geometric, still soft body ...
Fabric, Upholstery
$29,933 / set
H 24.81 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
Large COR Trio Sectional Sofa, Germany / Switzerland 1972 NEW VELVET UPHOLSTERY
By COR, Team Form AG
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Vintage COR Trio Sofa in new Dark Chocolate Brown Velvet. The velvet can easily be brushed to give it a different look, with lighter and darker brown tones (see different looks in th...
Fabric, Velvet
Italian Sectional Sofa in Red Orange Patterned Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sectional sofa, fabric, beech, Italy, 1970s. This Italian modular sofa is designed in the seventies and contains six elements. Therefore, the sofa becomes very versatile as it allow...
Fabric, Beech
$15,494 / set
H 23.63 in W 42.52 in D 27.56 in
Klaus Uredat ‘Corbi’ Sofa for COR in New Mohair Upholstery, Germany – 1969
By Klaus Uredat, COR
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Introducing the epitome of elegance and comfort: ‘Corbi’ modular sectional sofa by Klaus Uredat for COR, Germany – circa 1969. The Corbi sofa consists of sections with roll cushions. It can be used as sofa or as three separate lounge chairs. Four more pieces available for reupholstery. Ask us about the possibilities. Now luxuriously draped in sumptuous mohair. Elevating your living space to new heights of sophistication, this exquisite piece seamlessly marries timeless design with unparalleled coziness. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Corbi sofa boasts a sleek silhouette and refined lines, embodying modern sophistication while exuding a sense of inviting warmth. The addition of premium mohair upholstery not only enhances its visual appeal but also provides a tactile experience like no other, enveloping you in unparalleled softness with every touch. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying quiet moments of relaxation, the Klaus Uredat Corbi sofa...
Mohair
On Hold|$2,107
H 28.35 in W 61.42 in D 31.5 in
Vico Magistretti for Cassina "Maralunga" Sofa in Blue Fabric
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Milano, IT
Sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for the Cassina factory in the 1970s. The two-seater sofa is entirely upholstered in original fabric of the time in perfect condition, no rips or da...
Fabric, Cotton, Plastic
$4,950
H 28.94 in W 90.56 in D 30.71 in
Modern American Sectional Corner Sofa in Structured Yellow Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular sectional sofa, structured yellow upholstery, metal, United States, 1960s This two-part sofa is upholstered in soft yellow structured fabric that emphasizes the strong lines...
Metal
$19,287
H 23.23 in W 118.9 in D 98.82 in
Original Lara Sofa by Pamio, Toso and Massari for Stilwood, Italy, 1960s
By Stilwood, Mario Bellini, Pierre Paulin, Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Lara sofa by Roberto Pamio, Renato Toso and Noti Massari for Stilwood, Italy 1950s/1960s. Newly reupholstered in a premium, pure Alpaca wool fabric. Ships worldwide.
Foam
$15,995 / set
H 26 in W 165 in D 84.5 in
Milo Baughman Circular Sectional Sofa, Cream Upholstery, 1970
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Stamford, CT
Fabulous two piece circular sectional sofa by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. The original cream colored fabric seems to be an ultra suede. There are no flaws to the fabric. It is u...
Upholstery, Wood
2023 Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset Pumpkin 3-Seat Large Settee / Sofa
By Pierre Paulin, Ligne Roset
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Pumpkin Sofa made of an ABS base and polyether foam covered in a green wool Vidar Perroquet fabric. The sofa was designed by Pierre Paulin and produced by Ligne ...
Fabric, Foam
$14,367
H 24.81 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
COR Trio Sectional Sofa in Chocolate Brown Velvet 1972 NEW UPHOLSTERY
By COR, Team Form AG
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Vintage COR Trio Sofa in new Dark Chocolate Brown Velvet. The velvet can be brushed to give it a different look, with lighter and darker brown tones (see different looks in the image...
Fabric, Velvet
$7,200 / item
H 30 in W 83 in D 33.5 in
Contemporary Medium Standard Sofa in Caramel Leather with Walnut Base
By Michael Felix
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The standard sofa is deceptively simple at first glance. Upon closer inspection it manages to be both modern and nostalgic, the sofa you will bring with ...
Leather
Outdoor XL Sofa Set in Light Gray Upholstery
By Cotidiano
Located in Mexico City, MX
It's an original design for a getaway home the Arena Sofa XL is ultra-comfortable as it is practical for everyday family life. A geometric, still soft body ...
Fabric, Upholstery
Sold
H 25.2 in W 96.46 in D 31.5 in
Pierre Paulin Early Edition Sofa and Chair of the ABCD Series for Artifort
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Three-seat sofa and one lounge chair from the ABCD series, in fabric, wood and metal, by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, the Netherlands, circa 1968. Set of two seating elements from ...
Metal
Sold
H 24.81 in W 33.47 in D 26.78 in
Pair Of Artifort Groovy F598 ‘M Chair’ In Bouclé By Pierre Paulin 1970s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Fantastic pair of Artifort F598 lounge chairs by Pierre Paulin in 1973. This model, is also known as ‘Groovy’ or ‘M chair’ following its characteristic ...
Metal
Sold
H 24.81 in W 33.47 in D 26.78 in
Pair of Artifort Groovy F598 'M Chair' in Bouclé by Pierre Paulin 1970s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Designed by Pierre Paulin in 1973. The model F598 of Artifort, also known as the 'Groovy' or 'M chair' following its characteristic shape. These cute chairs...
Metal
Pierre Paulin "Osaka" Sofa for La Cividina, Italy
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Miami, FL
Modular articulated and adjustable sofa system, comprised of a back and 2 seats floating on an adjustable steel frame. Designed by Pierre Paulin in 1967 for the 1970 World Expo in Os...
Steel